Highland Council to visit Tressady wind farm site

ALISTAIR MUNRO

COUNCILLORS are to carry out a visit to the proposed site of a controversial wind farm in Sutherland.

Wind Prospect Developments wants to construct thirteen 115-metre-high turbines at Tressady, north west of Rogart, on behalf of French energy giant EDF.

The planned wind farm would have a capacity of up to 32.5 megawatts, and the potential to power as much as 17 per cent of residential properties across the Highlands.

There have been 30 objections, with protesters raising the visual impact for locals and tourists, the growing number of wind farms in the region, and potential noise pollution.

Rogart Community Council is not among the objectors, though they have voiced concern over the number of similar projects in the area.

Highland Council’s north planning committee has voted eight to six in favour of carrying out a site visit before making a final decision on the proposal.

A spokeswoman for Wind Prospect Development said: “We have spent five years working on the proposal for Tressady Wind Farm. During this time, we have listened to feedback from consultees and the local community and believe we have achieved a wind farm design that is appropriate for the location.

“Detailed environmental surveys and communicating with residents in the vicinity of the proposal has helped shape the proposed wind farm. As a result of our consultation, we reduced the total number of turbines from 17 to 13, in part to reduce distance to a nearby road and to lessen the overall visual impact.

“Direct local benefits would include an annual Community Benefit Fund which would be available throughout the lifetime of the development to promote and enhance sustainable communities.”